:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66004277/usa_today_13731223.0.jpg)
Betting split update: The DraftKings Sportsbook betting public is heavily backing Alabama in this one. The Tide are a 7.5-point favorite on game day, and we are seeing 79 percent of both the handle and tickets bet on the point spread backing Nick Saban’s team.
If you decide to watch just one game this bowl season, the Citrus Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines might be the one to check out. Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh do not appear to like each other very much, and both should be going hard to get their teams prepared.
Alabama expects national championships every season, so a spot in the Citrus Bowl probably wasn’t what the Tide were looking for. Tua Tagovailoa remains out with a hip injury, and it remains to be seen if we will see him play college football again. Other players we will not see include starting linebacker Terrell Lewis and defensive back Trevon Diggs, as both are sitting out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
After a loss to Penn State in October knocked Michigan out of the Playoff picture, the Wolverines blew out Notre Dame in the first game of a four-game winning streak. Michigan then got blown out by Ohio State because that’s the way the world works. Quarterback Shea Patterson had a solid end to the regular season, throwing for more than 300 yards in his last three games.
Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming
The VRBO Citrus Bowl will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 1 and can be seen on ABC and streamed on WatchESPN.
Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends
Spread: Alabama (-7.5) vs. Michigan
Point Total: 58.5 O/U (-110)
Money line: Alabama (-295), Michigan (+230)
- Michigan is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven games.
- The total went over in 10 of Michigan’s last 14 games.
The Best Bet
Michigan under Jim Harbaugh has struggled to beat the elite teams of the Big Ten and college football. Until that happens, it’s a safe bet to go against the Wolverines. Yes, Alabama is starting Mac Jones at quarterback, but the Tide have the most talented wide receivers in the country. Alabama will win this by two touchdowns, but the game should have quite a bit of hype on New Year’s Day. What a way to start 2020.
Pick: Alabama -7.5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.